Children of St Christopher’s Home in Fiji have remembered one of their own family who died in New Zealand a year ago.

To mark the first anniversary of the death of Deepika Kumar, the children stood at her grave at the weekend, holding hands, praying and singing.

There was also time for memories and gratitude for support from New Zealand and the Armidale schools in Australia.

Deepika, who lived at the home, accidentally drowned in a swimming pool in Hamilton last year during a New Zealand holiday. She was only 18.

She had planned to begin university study in Fiji this year.

Archbishop Winston Halapua led the short graveside service to help the children mark the anniversary in a personal way. 

The Armidale Schools have a long association with St Christopher’s and have donated the headstone for Deepika’s grave.